Description

This easy trail run, colloquially known as the "Grizzly Loop," begins from the easily-accessible trailhead on Porcupine Road.

As some of the lowest-elevation and sunniest trails near the ultra-popular mountain town of Big Sky, these trails are hikeable for substantial portions of the year...

at least, compared to other trails in the region. This 5.7-mile route stitches together some of the best trails through this complex and largely unsigned trail network.

While some of the trails do have signs on them, the many social trails created by cattle, horses, and hikers alike now crisscross the historic trails, running in all directions.

To avoid getting lost, be sure to download this map for offline navigation. The farthest reaches of this loop are, naturally, the most beautiful.

After some mellow climbing on mostly smooth, non-technical singletrack, you'll gain scenic views across the valley, with the mountains rising in the distance. The return back to the trailhead traverses along the beautiful Porcupine Creek, providing a delightful soundtrack to your run thanks to the rushing water. **Note:** The Big Sky area is renowned as prime grizzly bear country.

Signs at every trailhead warn that bears are highly active in the area.

To mitigate the risk of bear encounters, make plenty of noise while running, try to travel with a group of people, and consider attaching a bear bell to your backpack.

Also, make certain that you carry bear spray with you every time you head into the mountains, in case you do get into an encounter with a grizzly.